All of our internships are being held virtually unless otherwise noted.
Some positions may not be offered during this time if the mentor is unable to offer enough
learning opportunities to give you a worthwhile intern experience.
Interns with Smithsonian Associates are offered unique opportunities to learn about all aspects
of educational programming for both adults and children, while contributing extensively to one
of the world's great cultural institutions. Intern projects are designed to benefit both the
Institution and complement the intern's own interests, skills, and experience.
Eligibility & Qualifications
Internships are open to both undergraduate and graduate students. International students are
welcome to participate however, interns coming from abroad will require appropriate visas to
enter the United States.
No specific credentials or work experience is required. However, applicants should have a
strong interest in Smithsonian Associate's Mission
as well as informal educational programming. Individual departments may be seeking additional
qualifications.
Academic Credit
The Smithsonian is not a degree-granting institution and therefore cannot award academic credit.
However, interns can receive academic credit from their university or college for their internships
and many U.S. colleges and universities will recognize academic work performed while
interning at the Institution. We recommend that you contact your school's registrar,
or career planning office for more information. Credit arrangements should be made in
advance with your school advisor and your internship supervisor. If there are special
terms, conditions or requirements associated with earning credit, you will need to
discuss these with your Smithsonian Associates supervisor before you arrive.
Financial Assistance
Smithsonian Associates internship appointments are unpaid and do not offer stipends for housing
or travel. Students are encouraged to apply for resources outside the Smithsonian to support
their internship; there are no internal sources of support available unless specifically listed.
Smithsonian Associates Internship Seasons
Fall: September - December
Winter/Spring: January - May
Summer: June - August
How to Apply
You will need to provide the following:
- A current resume
- A short essay (no more than 3 pages) addressing the following points:
- Your past and present academic history and other experiences which you feel have prepared you for an internship.
- What you hope to accomplish through an internship, and how it would relate to your academic and career goals.
- What about Smithsonian Associates in particular interests you and leads you to apply for an internship.
- Academic transcript (unofficial are acceptable)
- Two letters of recommendation from professors, advisors, or recent employers
Candidates will likely be asked to interview, either in person or over the phone, for their desired position.
Essential Tips for the Online Application
- Do not submit your application until all necessary components are uploaded (i.e. transcripts, writing sample, resume). Once submitted, you cannot upload or change anything within the application.
- An unofficial or official transcript can be uploaded by first scanning the document and saving it as a pdf or jpeg. Please do not mail the transcript separately.
- Make sure that you click the “send email” button for reference letters. This triggers the system to email your references with instructions for uploading the letter. Please advise your references of this in advance.
- All necessary components of an application must be received by the deadline in order to be considered. This includes letters of recommendation.
Deadlines for Applications
Smithsonian Associates internships are highly competitive and applying early is strongly encouraged
To be considered in the first round of applications, submit your materials by these dates:
Fall Positions: July 1
Winter/Spring Positions: October 1
Summer Positions: February 1
Applications received after these dates will still be considered on an as-needed basis.
Selection Process
While we appreciate and applaud your enthusiasm and interest in serving an
internship with us, please refrain from contacting us to check on the status
of your application. Keep in mind that for most programs and projects, only
those applicants selected will receive notification. If you haven't heard
and need answers, send us an email and we will do our best to give you an
update on the status of your application.
Interns selected for appointment at the Smithsonian Institution will be required
to undergo a security background investigation
and fingerprinting through the Office of Protection Services (OPS) before they
are accepted into an internship.
View Office of Protection Services OPS office location
Internship Positions
Assist in coordinating all aspects of the Smithsonian Sleepover program such as set-up, supervising
craft activities, customer service, and maintaining supplies. Sleeping over in the museum is a requirement.
Support staff in the Development Office through creating marketing materials, drafting grants and sponsor
proposals, maintaining website text, and conducting research on funding sources for Development activities.
Support the Discovery Theater staff in all aspects: house management, ticketing and group sales,
administration, and production support.
By working closely with the program curators, interns will have the opportunity to learn about all aspects of program and event production of adult education programs produced by Associates.
Support Marketing staff editing images and HTML to be used in e-mail marketing campaigns and on
social media sites as well as using web analytics software to research results from marketing campaigns.
Assist with research, booking, budgets, logistical set-up, and marketing. Provide program
support during some evening and weekend programs, including box office and house management duties.
Assist in coordinating all aspects of the Smithsonian@8 program such as logistical support,
customer service, event implementation, marketing, and research.
Attend events and create new content on social media applications highlighting the activities
of the Smithsonian Associates and represent the Smithsonian brand.
Unique opportunity to immerse in all of the Summer children's programs offered by Associates.
